Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Author Anita Higman, LOVE FINDS YOU IN HUMBLE, TEXAS - Several Free Books

I'm excited about today's interview, because it is a bonanza for you the reader. As a special bonus, we're giving away six free copies, so tell all your friends to come by and sign up. There are lots of chances to win a free copy of this wonderful story.
Welcome back to the blog, Anita. I really like the picture of you. God really has been moving in your writing life. What do you see on the horizon?
Well, I see more work ahead, and so I am grateful for that. I think God is moving a little faster with my writing career now because I have an empty nest. When my kids were at home, I wanted to spend as much time with them as I could, and so I can see now why God had me working at a slower pace back then. I’m so glad it worked out that way.

Tell us a little about your family.

I have been married to a man named Peter for almost thirty years, and we still love each other. I think we’ll have to celebrate with a cruise. I have a son who is graduating from Texas A&M, and is engaged to be married. My daughter is in college getting a degree in English. She wants to be an editor at a publishing house someday, and I’m really hoping she won’t be rejecting my manuscripts someday!

Has you writing changed your reading habits? If so, how?

Not a lot. I still read the classics. I also pick up new books that tickle my fancy.

What are you working on right now?

Well, at the moment I am pouring all my efforts into the promotion of my latest novel, Love Finds you in Humble, Texas.

What outside interests do you have?

I love hiking and decorating and going to the movies with my family. If you’d like to know of few of my favorite things…I love Valentine’s Day. I love big perfumey bushes hanging heavy with lilacs and walkways lined with every color of iris. I love chocolate truffles, the kind with creamy dark filling, the kind that make you sigh in rapture when you bite into them. I love going to a spa for a massage or a facial and drifting far away where no one can find me. I love having my gal friends over for brunch and treating them each like a princess for the morning. I love cuddling up with a good book while sipping a cup of Earl Gray tea. I love feeling God’s pleasure when I’m busy at work struggling happily to get the words just right.

We like a lot of the same things. How do you choose your settings for each book?

Well, in Love Finds You in Humble, Texas, that particular town was on the publisher’s list of settings, and since the town was close to my house, it was a perfect fit. To explain a bit more, “Love Finds You” is a wonderful new line of books through Summerside Press, and each novel will be set in various quaint towns across America.

Actually, I'm working on a contracted book in this series right now. If you could spend an evening with one historical person, who would it be and why?

I’m sure you’ve had a lot of female writers mention Jane Austen. She seems like someone I would love to invite to brunch. But then, of course, I’d end up pelting her with so many questions she’d probaby beg for a carriage ride home immediately!

What is the one thing you wish you had known before you started writing novels?

At first I wanted to say, “I would like to have known how hard it would be.” But then I thought, "Well, if I had known twenty-five years ago how hard it really was I’m not sure I would have gone down that path." But seriously, I guess I wish someone would have told me to slow down and enjoy the process of learning the craft. Because writing is a long journey with no real ending. There will always be new things to learn.

What new lesson is the Lord teaching you right now?

I’ve been suffering from some health issues lately, and so I have been learning to trust Him for my daily needs. I know how cliché that sounds, but those really are the facts surrounding my life right now.

What are the three best things you can tell other authors to be successful?

A. Read, read, read. All kind of books, even books that aren’t in your genre.

B. If you really want to be a writer, just remember that there will be days so glorious that you’ll think you’ve dipped your toes into the waters of Shangri-La, but mostly there will be days that will need a river of determination and discipline. And then there will be a few days that will be an impossible flood of heartbreaking humiliation and frustration. So much so that you’ll think your brain’s been worked over by a street sweeper and your spirit’s been pureed. But as long as you know that all writers have bad days from time to time, I think that knowledge makes living the life of a writer much easier. And less lonely.

C. Never forget that the more you write, the better you’ll get at it. Period.

Now, Anita, tell us about the featured book.

Award-winning Circle of Seven created a wonderful book trailer for me, so I’ll let the narrator tell you a bit about the book.

http://video.yahoo.com/watch/4269149/11475177

Please give us the first page of the book.

Trudie Abernathy always wondered about two things. First, how was it that some people could live charmed lives while others accumulated troubles like those beetles that spent their time rolling up balls of dung? And secondly, how could one person fall in love as effortlessly as a sneeze, while another hobbled along on love as if it were a twisted ankle?

I am the dung beetle. Trudie smiled over at her sister, who sat across from her in the limo. Lane Abernathy, her sister, was the one who lived the breezy life. Lane was an image coach and always had a string of rich and handsome boyfriends while Trudie had never known the joys of having a steady anything—she was single, not-so-sexy, and somewhat sweaty.

Lane looked out the tinted window as she chatted about some new dress shop in town. Even though Trudie felt close to her sister, they invariably looked at life through different ends of the kaleidoscope. Lane always saw the pretty rainbow designs—the ever-changing wonder of being alive—while Trudie was busy turning the little contraption around to prove the whole thing was just an illusion created out of broken glass. Yeah, that’s so me.

How can readers find you on the Internet?

I just had a new web site created to feature Love Finds You in Humble, Texas. I would love for you to stop by for a visit and then sign my guest book. I’m at http://www.anitahigman.com/

Anita, thank you for spending this time with us.

Readers, you can order the book using this link:

Leave a comment for a chance to win one of the six free copies of the book. Don't forget to check back a week from Saturday to see if you're a winner. If you don't want to miss a single interview of winner announcement, sign up for FeedBlitz in the upper right hand corner of the blog.

77 comments:

Vickie McDonough said...

I really liked your trailer. It has a sweet tone to it. I haven't read any books in this line yet and am looking forward to doing so.

Judy Vandiver said...

I'm reading Love Find You in Last Chance Colorado, by Miralee Ferrell and can't wait to read the one here... "Love finds you in Humble, Texas". Especially since I'm in the Houston area and have relatives living in Humble. Good interview. I enjoyed it.
Judy Vandiver

Anonymous said...

Hi Vickie!

Thanks for stopping by. I'm so glad you liked my book trailer. It was created by Circle of Seven Productions. I hope you win one of the free copies!

Blessings!
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Judy!

So, you live in the Houston area, and you have relatives in Humble. Well then, I think you'll really have some fun with the setting!

Glad you liked the interview, and thanks for posting a comment!

Blessings to you, Judy!

Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Nicole O'Dell said...

Great interview! I'm looking forward to reading this.

Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Greetings Nicole!

So glad you enjoyed the interview. It was fun answering the questions.

Maybe you'll win one of the free books. Hope you like the story.

Thanks for stopping by!
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Debra Ullrick said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I would love to review a Love Finds you book. I don't have any of them.

Anonymous said...

Hi Michelle,

I would love for you to review my book. Please email me with your address, and I'll get a book out to you.

Blessings!
Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Megan said...

oooh sounds great! And i love the things that she loves too. Ahh spaaah! haha

megan.nadalet[at]gmail[dot]com

apple blossom said...

I have heard and read about this Love Finds you..... series. I'd love to win a book. Thanks.

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Patty said...

I would love to win this book. I read Snowball and am currently reading Last Chance by Miralee Ferrell as well. I love this line of books. So, count me in.

pleblanc_1[at]charter[dot]net

darbyscloset said...

I quite enjoyed this author interview and the posting from her book. Please enter me,
Thanks so much,
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Hi Megan!

Yes, I love spas. They're expensive, so it's nice that Valentine's day is coming up. What a nice present from my husband. Hmm:)

Blessings!
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hey Abi!

I hope you win a book. Thanks for stopping by!

Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Greetings, Patty!

I'm sooo glad you like this new line of books. Glad you came by to enter the contest!

Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Darby,

I'm so glad you enjoyed the interview. And I'm very pleased you entered the contest! This has been a lot of fun today reading all your posts.

Blessings!
Anita Higman

Sherrinda Ketchersid said...

I would love a chance to get my hands on your book! I've been through Humble, Texas! (I used to live in South Houston and have relatives in Kingwood)

Great interview! I love hearing an author's voice come through in an interview. :)

Martha A. said...

I have heard great things about this book! I would love to invite Jane Austen to Bruch too, she would probably really beg for a carriage ride home then! = )
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Cheryl said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Please enter me in the contest. My email address is shryackmom[@]charter[.]net

Mimi N said...

So "sorry" to hear about the mix-up with the books...NOT! I'm thrilled! I'd love a chance to be entered to win. I can NOT believe Anita has a child old enough to be getting married & graduating from college! WOW, she looks fantastic. Blessings,
Mimi B

mnjesusfreak at gmail dot com

Anonymous said...

sounds like a great book. please enter my name.
thanks,
sarahwoll at hotmail dot com

Gail said...

Cute book trailer. Thanks for the interview. Please enter me to win.

Gail

bookwurm70 at gmail dot com

Merry said...

This sounds like a wonderful story of two very different sisters. Please include my name, thanks!
worthy2bpraised{at}gmail{dot}com

Mary said...

Anita, Thank you for sharing your heart and your advice with us. You've helped me see that we all go through down times in our writing life and that being determind to get the job done is a good thing. I would love to read your book. Especially being a Texan, I love anything to do with our state. :-) I have enjoyed two other Love Finds You books.

And thank you, Lena for having Anita as a guest.

Mary

Unknown said...

Another wonderful review Lena, and another wonderful author bookmarked in my author's folder..... waiting now for my copy of Miralee's book (receiving through my entry at pix-n-pens flash fiction)and would like to say thank you for the opportunity to be included for a chance to get this book.... I also live in Texas, but have no idea how far Humble is from Gorman......will have to find out.... hope everyone is having a great week....

Jo said...

This book sounds quite interesting and I reallly would love to win a copy of it.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

The trailer is a new touch that I hadn't seen yet. I can't wait to read the book!

G.R.I.T.S. said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
hippmom said...

Some days I feel like "the dung beetle" myself! I enjoyed reading this interview. Thanks so much for sharing. Hope to win!

G.R.I.T.S. said...

Loved the Interview! Sounds like a great book! I would love to review it on my blog eventually! (http://c-romance.blogspot.com)
Hope to Win a copy so I can!
Rae Byuel

Anonymous said...

Hi Sherrinda!

Wow, you have a cool name.

I'm glad you thought you could hear my voice in the interview. When that happens it's almost like we've met:)

All the best to you!
Anita
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Martha,

What a delighful surprise that you stopped by. So, you've heard great things about my book. Wow, those are really sweet words, even way better than truffles:)

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hey Mimi!

What a nice thing to say about my age. I like you:) That is a recent photo. I have 3 secrets. It helps to have oily skin and live in a humid climate:) Also, I take grape seed extract:)

Blessings!
Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Cheryl!

Thanks for dropping by. I hope your day is filled with all your favorite things:)

Anita Higman

Pamela J said...

I love the way you have with words, Anita! I'm really looking forward getting to know your style by reading your book too.
How many times would we not have gone down a path if we knew the hardships we would face? But then, how does the Lord teach us to lean on him. I'm glad I don't know what I will endure ahead of time 'cause I'm just a wimp.
Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks.
Pam Williams
cepjwms at wb4me dot com

Anonymous said...

Hi there, Sarah!

I'm glad you stopped by to enter the contest. I hope you win a book!

And I hope you have a weekend full of delights:)

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hi Gail!

I'm happy you liked the book trailer. It's kind of fun to see what a team of creative people can do with a book cover:)

Have a great day,
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hello Mez!

Yes, you're right, it is a story about two very different sisters. I don't have any sisters, so I had to use my imagination. But I wish I could have had a sister to love and shop with and maybe even argue with once and awhile:)
Blessings!
Anita Higman

Miralee Ferrell said...

I have the first four in the Love Finds You series, and of course, wrote #5, but I haven't yet added Anita's to my collection, so would love to win a copy. Miralee Ferrell
www.miraleeferrell.com

Marla said...

Great interview. This sounds like a wonderful series of books. If I win, I will definitely have to get the other books in the series. Thank you for the chance to win.
koinonia572001@yahoo.com

Norma said...

This sounds very interesting - if I don't win this book, I think I will have to look for it in a store.

windycindy said...

These new Love Finds You books are an interesting series! I like how they take place in different states and settings. Please count me in your drawing. Thanks, Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Carolynn said...

Please enter me, I would love to read this book, thanks!
carolynnwald at hotmail dot com

Ruth Mayfield said...

The place is what intrigues me. The series sounds like a great idea. Blessings on this book and your writing Anita!

Simply Stacie said...

Great giveaway and interview thank you!!

Anonymous said...

I read a great review of this book! I'l love a chance to win!

Roanna said...

I watched the trailer. It is very nice. :) I would love to win one of the books, as I have never read any books by Anita Higman before.

Anonymous said...

Hi Mary!

I'm so glad I said something that encouraged you as a writer, and I'm glad you've enjoyed this new line of books.

So, you're a Texan. Does life get any better:)
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Greetings Cleda,

I'm glad you had fun.

You know, I have no idea how far Gorman is from Humble. I'll have to look it up too?

Have a great Friday!
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hi there, Jo!

I'm pleased you stopped by. Thanks so much. I wish everyone could win a copy of the book:)

Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Lauren,

Yes, book trailers are becoming quite the fashion. I just wish I had a T-shirt with the book cover that could play the trailer when someone asked about the book. Now that would be something!

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Helloooo hipp mom!

Glad you had some fun reading the interview. Yes, I often feel like a dung beetle too. But better to be the beetle than the dung, eh?:)
Can I say that here?

Blessings!
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Greetings to Rae!

If you are going to review the novel and place it on a few sites including your blog, I would love to send you a free copy. Just send me an email.

Have a loverly evening.
Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Hello to Pamela,

Your post made me smile all over. Thanks for your kind words about my writing, Pam:)

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hi Miralee,

So glad to hear from one of the Summerside Sisters!

Hope you win, but I can't pull any stings:)

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hi again, Miralee,

Well, I think I'm tired and need to call it a night. I'm starting to get my words messed up. I said I wouldn't pull any stings to help you win, but I meant strings. I'll try not to do either one:)

Anita Higman

Carole said...

I love a good romance and would like to try this series. Thank you so much for the interview and giveaway!

cjarvis [at] bellsouth [dot] net

Ausjenny said...

I love the look of this book and the cover. enjoyed the interview alos.
Please enter me.

Anonymous said...

Hi Anita! Wonderful interview! I really enjoyed it! I love books set in Texas! Thanks so much for the opportunity to win.

kalea_kane said...

Oh this sounds wonderful. I love the idea of good romantic stories set in small towns. It is almost like being able to travel the country, and really the small towns are just THE best! Thanks for the giveaway!

Kelly :)

Anonymous said...

Greetings, Marla!

I'm glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for taking the time to drop by.

Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hi there, Norma,

Thank you for what you wrote...that if you didn't win the contest you might try to buy the book at the store. What sweet words to a writer:)

Thank you soooo much,
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Hellooo Windy Cindy,

I'm glad you like the "Love Finds You" concept. I certainly had a delightful time getting to know the town of Humble.

Thanks for your comment!
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Greetings Carolynn,

Thanks for your comment:)

Glad you stopped by to enter.

Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hey there Ruth!

Humble Texas has an interesting history. The town is about 40 minutes from my house, so research was pretty easy.

Thank you for your encouragement and blessings!

Anita Higman

Katie said...

I would love to read this book.... It sounds soo good..thanks
katie8407 (@) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

I would love to read this book (or review it for that matter) :)
I'm not close to Humble though i live in texas!

Lindsey said...

I loved the first page! Not everyone can catch a reader's interest based on the first page. :-) I would love to win/review this!

ladyufshalott at yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

Greetings Stacie and Lisa,

Thanks for stopping by and entering the contest.

Blessings to you both!

Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Dear Raspberrygirl!

Your name makes me hungry, but then I'm always hungry:)

So pleased you enjoyed watching the trailer. I've had a lot of good response from it.

Have a great week!
Anita

Anonymous said...

Hi Carole, Ausjenny, and Deborah,

I am so glad you enjoyed the interview. I had a blast answering Lena's questions. Thanks for entering the contest. You guys rock for taking the time to drop by!

Blessings to each of you!
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

To Kelly and Katie!

Thanks for sending a comment. Yes, this new line of novels will be romantic stories set in small towns across America. The response to the "Love Finds You" line has been marvelous.
Blessings!
Anita Higman
www.anitahigman.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Reborn Butterfly,

If you would like to review Love Finds You in Humble Texas, just send me an email, and I'll make sure you get a copy.

Blessings!
Anita Higman
ahigman@msn.com

Anonymous said...

Hi Lindsey,

Well, I am so glad you dropped by. What a nice thing to say about my first page. That was my goal. To make that first page enticing:)Your comment made my day!

Blessings,
Anita Higman

Anonymous said...

Wonderful interview! This sounds like such an awesome book! Please enter me in the giveaway. Thanks!

Anonymous said...

Hi there Margie!

I'm happy you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by to enter the contest.

Blessings to you!
Anita Higman